How to Visit Napa Valley on a Budget

Napa Valley lures in a constant stream of visitors with high-end hotels, upscale restaurants, and luxurious experiences that cannot be found anywhere else. But if you thought you had to spend a fortune to have a good time here, you can let out a sigh of relief because we’re here to tell you that that’s not the case! There are plenty of authentic yet cheap things to do in Napa, and with a little planning and creativity, you’ll have the time of your life here. Ready to experience the best of Napa Valley on a budget? We’re here to guide you through it all.

Best Time to Visit Napa Valley on a Budget

Like every other place, Napa Valley has high tourist seasons that bring in the guests and hike up the prices of everything. Similarly, planning to visit in the off-season months or mid-week can help you cut your costs significantly. Most crowds head to Napa during the late summer and early fall. So, if you're looking to do Napa Valley on a budget and don't mind chillier weather, plan a trip between December and February. Not only will you get to enjoy Napa Valley with fewer crowds for lower costs, but you’ll also have the chance to take part in a number of events and festivals that take place during this time such as the Napa Truffle Festival. 

Get the chance to stay in Napa Valley for affordable hotel rates and find popular restaurants sans the long lines and overwhelming crowds. Your chances of snagging coveted happy hour spots will be far more likely during the off times!

How to Do Napa on a Budget 

Now that you know when to visit, you need foolproof tips and tricks that’ll help you find awesome and cheap things to do in Napa Valley. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to navigating Napa activities like a pro-budgeter.

Do your Research Ahead of Time

If there is one word you should keep in mind when visiting Napa Valley on a budget, it’s planning. Organize everything in advance to avoid unforeseen costs as much as possible. Compare usual hotel rates, check out restaurant happy hours, and research other deals you can snag to enjoy the best of Napa Valley on a budget. It can be fun to be a high-roller, but the satisfaction you get from finding great deals ahead of your trip is unmatched.

Pack a Picnic with you

Napa Valley is a treasure trove of idyllic picnic spots. Parks, gardens, and even wineries allow you to bring your own picnic essentials and dine alfresco amidst nature. This option is significantly more affordable than Napa restaurants, but still feels luxurious and gives you plenty of Instagram-worthy photo ops. Just make sure to check in advance if the place you’re eyeing allows you to have a picnic on premises—the last thing you want is to be forced to leave mid-picnic and find an alternative spot. 

Head to Downtown Napa

Situated in a scenic spot along the Napa River, Downtown Napa is an extremely walkable destination to explore. This awesome destination is filled with plenty of free things to do in Napa you’ll love to add to your itinerary. Do a bit of window shopping along First Street Napa, take a riverside stroll down the walkway, and keep an eye out for the public art displays scattered all around.

When hunger strikes, you’ll find plenty of affordable Napa restaurants in the downtown area. Oxbow Public Market, a collection of budget-conscious restaurants and shops, offers something for every taste.

Spend More Time Outdoors

We recommend getting outside and exploring Napa’s incredible nature to everyone, even those who aren’t on a budget. But if you are, you’ll appreciate this tip even more. Scenic vistas, lush forests, rolling hills, and mild weather year-round make Napa Valley one of the best places to explore in Northern California.

Hiking through groves of coastal redwoods, having picturesque picnics under green Douglas firs, and mountain biking and horseback riding along with the most scenic vistas—all these and more free things to do in Napa could be enjoyed year-round outside; there are endless opportunities to make awesome memories.

Where to Stay in Napa Valley on a Budget

Napa Valley is rich with upscale luxury resorts and cool boutique hotels. But as expected, these options come with hefty price tags to match their opulence. Luckily, if you’re planning on staying overnight in Napa Valley on a budget, you’ll have a slew of affordable options to consider that are just as fancy. 

Napa Valley Airbnbs

Napa Valley’s vacation rentals might just be some of the most charming ones out of every valley in California. Take a quick peek on Airbnb and you’ll find plenty of nice yet budget-friendly accommodations to book in the coolest parts of the valley. Don’t have enough time to do your own research? We’ve picked out the best Airbnbs in Napa Valley for you—they’ll have you looking forward to your trip. 

Bed and Breakfasts and Inns

If you want the hotel experiences but not the hotel breakfast, consider booking a bed and breakfast or inn. Each of Napa Valley’s B&Bs reflects the unique personality of their owners and offers an experience you won’t find anywhere else.

Bel Abri Napa Valley Inn, Cabernet House an Old World Inn, and The Chablis Inn are a few options for affordable Napa Valley hotels and bed and breakfasts.

Glamping Spots in Napa Valley

If you’re more adventurous on your travels, another relatively cheap thing to do in Napa is glamping. You won’t be roughing it up like you normally would on a camping trip, but you’ll get to enjoy a more glamorous experience on a not-so-crazy budget. You might have to stray a bit further away from the Napa attractions on your itinerary to enjoy glamping in the valley, but the short drive from your accommodation will be totally worth the bargain.